Capable cruiser or costly compromise?
It’s been a long wait – nearly three years, in fact – but we finally managed to get our hands on the latest-generation Volkswagen Amarok for a proper test. While we’ve admired it from afar and seen plenty of press material, it was great to finally experience it firsthand on familiar turf. And while we didn’t test the range-topping PanAmericana or Aventura variants, the mid-spec Amarok Life 2.0 BiTDI 4Motion still gave us more than enough to unpack.
Bold but Familiar
The new Amarok’s Ford DNA is immediately evident – and that’s no bad thing. The platform, drivetrain and interior design share much with the new Ford Ranger (no surprise there, given the joint development), but VW has done a decent job of giving the Amarok its own identity, especially on the outside. The bold grille, prominent VW badge, squared-off wheel arches and crisp body lines lend it a presence that arguably even outshines its Blue Oval cousin in this trim level.
Inside, though, it’s a bit more conservative. The Amarok Life feels functional rather than fancy. Yes, there’s a large central touchscreen and a slick digital cluster, but aside from that, it’s not far removed from what you’d expect in a high-end Polo – plenty of hard plastics, straightforward design, and minimal flair. For a bakkie in this price bracket, that feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.
Composed and comfortable
Once behind the wheel, the Amarok impresses quickly. The 2.0-litre BiTDI diesel engine, producing 154kW and 500Nm, is paired to a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic gearbox and VW’s updated 4Motion system – and the result is a refined driving experience. On tar, it’s incredibly composed, soaking up road imperfections and cruising effortlessly on the open road.
Even without the chance to push it on a serious 4×4 trail due to the rainy conditions during our test week, we could sense its off-road potential. Having a proper low-range transfer case – something the old Amarok lacked – gives this new model much more credibility among off-road enthusiasts and overlanders. It’s no longer just a soft-roader with a bakkie body; it’s the real deal when it comes to trail capability.
Surprisingly frugal
Over our week of mixed driving, we achieved a fuel consumption figure of around 9.5 litres/100km – commendable for a double cab of this size. It matches what you’d expect from a Ford Ranger with the same engine, which speaks volumes for the engineering under the skin.
Cabin comfort: A mixed bag
Here’s where things got a bit divisive in the Adventure Afrika camp. The driver’s seat felt narrow and a bit unaccommodating, especially for larger builds. While ergonomics were generally good, we couldn’t help but feel that some of the comfort found in competing double cabs was lacking here. Perhaps it’s something you’d get used to over time, but for longer overland trips, it’s worth considering.
Passenger space is decent, and the second row can comfortably accommodate adults, but again – nothing here really stands out as best-in-class.
Value for money?
At its current price point – sitting just north of R900 000 at the time of writing – the Amarok Life 2.0 BiTDI 4Motion lands in a fiercely competitive part of the market. While it certainly offers solid mechanicals and a premium badge, it’s up against stiff opposition from not only the Ford Ranger but also the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and even newcomers like the GWM P-Series.
The interior finishes, while robust, don’t quite justify the price tag when compared to rivals offering more premium materials or better-equipped mid-range models. And while you’re buying into the VW name and the unique Amarok character, you might be left asking if it’s enough to tip the scales in its favour.
The verdict
The new Amarok is a very good bakkie – let’s be clear on that. It looks great, drives beautifully, and is much more capable off-road than some of its predecessor thanks to the addition of a transfer case. It’s refined, solidly built, and has genuine overlanding potential – no doubt about it.
However, there are a few asterisks. The interior feels a little too basic for the price, and the driver’s comfort – especially for those of us with slightly larger frames – might leave something to be desired on long trips. That said, if you value driving dynamics, road presence, and a blend of German style with proven Ford tech, the Amarok deserves a place on your shortlist.
Would we buy one? That’s a harder question. In isolation, it’s a brilliant vehicle. But in a competitive market packed with equally (or better) equipped rivals at similar or lower price points, we’d recommend prospective buyers to shop around – and drive a few others – before signing on the dotted line.
